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Allele

Definition(s)

Variant forms of the same gene. Different alleles produce variations in inherited characteristics such as eye color or blood type.

Definition from: Office of Rare DiseasesThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Institutes of Health

One of the alternative versions of a gene at a given location (locus) along a chromosome

Definition from: GeneTestsThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. from the University of Washington and Children's Health System, Seattle

An allele is one of two or more versions of a gene. An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. If the two alleles are the same, the individual is homozygous for that gene. If the alleles are different, the individual is heterozygous. Though the term "allele" was originally used to describe variation among genes, it now also refers to variation among non-coding DNA sequences.

Definition from: Talking Glossary of Genetic TermsThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. from the National Human Genome Research Institute

Related discussion in the Handbook

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: November 20, 2009